Full Report
A WIRED analysis of DHS records identified dozens of specialized federal agents who used force against US civilians during the largest known deployment of its kind in US history.
Analysis Summary
# Morning News Roll-up April 2, 2026
## Overview
A specialized WIRED analysis has uncovered the domestic deployment of paramilitary federal units, specifically BORTAC and BORSTAR, during "Operation Midway Blitz." The report highlights a significant shift in TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures), moving specialized border units into urban environments for high-intensity immigration enforcement against US civilians.
## Top Stories
### Unmasking the Paramilitary Agents Behind Operation Midway Blitz
- Summary: A WIRED investigation identified dozens of BORTAC and BORSTAR agents involved in the largest deployment of specialized federal force in US history. The report details the use of military-grade equipment and aggressive tactics—including the use of K9s and suppression-equipped rifles—against non-target civilians in Chicago based on unsubstantiated intelligence regarding foreign terrorist organizations.
- Source: hxxps://www[.]wired[.]com/story/border-patrol-bortac-borstar-use-of-force-midway-blitz/
### DHS Records Reveal Escalation in Domestic Enforcement Tactics
- Summary: Analysis of body camera footage and DHS records shows a pattern of theatrical force used by the Border Patrol Special Operations Group. Key findings include multiple instances of force exerted by specific agents against undocumented immigrants with no history of violence, signaling a militarization of domestic law enforcement.
- Source: hxxps://www[.]wired[.]com/category/security
### Intelligence Discrepancies in Federal Gang Crackdowns
- Summary: Operational briefings for Midway Blitz relied on claims that urban residences were controlled by "Tren de Aragua," categorized as a foreign terrorist organization. However, US intelligence services and state investigations have found these claims to be largely unsubstantiated or based on baseless landlord complaints.
- Source: hxxps://www[.]wired[.]com/story/trump-warned-of-a-tren-de-aragua-invasion-us-intel-told-a-different-story/
***
# Operation Midway Blitz
The domestic deployment of paramilitary Border Patrol units (BORTAC/BORSTAR) for urban immigration enforcement and high-intensity raids in major US cities.
## Key Points
- **Unprecedented Scale:** Represents the largest known deployment of BORTAC and BORSTAR units in US history.
- **Militarized Domestic Presence:** Transition of units specialized in desert rescues and cartel interdiction to street-level immigration sweeps.
- **Intelligence Failures:** High-risk operations were initiated based on unverified reports of "Tren de Aragua" gang activity and weapons stockpiles that were not substantiated by subsequent searches.
- **High-Intensity Tactics:** Deployment included the use of Black Hawk helicopters, rappelling, battering rams, and suppressor-equipped M4 rifles in residential areas.
## Threat Actors
- **Primary Units:** Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) and Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR).
- **Associated Groups:** US Border Patrol Special Operations Group (SOG); Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- **Attributed Personnel:** Corey Myers (Team Leader), Padraic Daniel Berlin (K9 Handler), David Dubar Jr., and Paul Delgado Jr.
## TTPs
- **Dynamic Entry:** Use of battering rams and fast-roping/rappelling from helicopters to overwhelm occupants.
- **K9 Deployment:** Verbal warnings often omitted followed by the immediate release of K9 units (e.g., Belgian Malinois) to "bite and hold" individuals.
- **Psychological Intimidation:** Use of masked identities, helmets, bulletproof vests, and suppressed firearms to maintain tactical dominance.
- **Intelligence-Led Raids:** Execution of warrants based on "Foreign Terrorist Organization" designations to justify paramilitary intervention.
## Affected Systems
- **Urban Residential Infrastructure:** Apartment complexes (e.g., South Shore Apartments, Chicago) and local immigrant communities.
- **Civilian Protection Standards:** Escalation of force against "non-target" civilians and undocumented individuals with no criminal records.
- **Transparency Systems:** Government secrecy surrounding operational identities and the withholding of unsubstantiated intelligence briefings.
## Mitigations
- **Civilian Oversight:** Calls for independent investigations into DHS "Use of Force" records and body camera footage.
- **Intelligence Verification:** State-level investigations (e.g., Illinois) into the origins of baseless claims provided to federal agencies by property owners.
- **Legal Recourse:** Removal proceedings and civil rights litigation regarding injuries sustained during non-targeted raids.
- **Policy Reformation:** Legislative efforts to restrict the use of specialized border units to their geographical jurisdictions (e.g., border regions) rather than inland cities.
## Conclusion
The findings indicate a significant shift in domestic law enforcement strategy, characterized by the "militarization of the spear." The reliance on paramilitary units like BORTAC for civilian immigration enforcement increases the risk of excessive force and collateral damage, particularly when driven by unsubstantiated intelligence. Continued monitoring of DHS Special Operations Group deployments in urban centers is recommended to ensure compliance with civil rights protections.